A new energy saving Waterford sports centre looks set to cut CO2 emissions by 558 tonnes, with a projected annual savings of almost €72,000.

The Waterford Regional Sports Centre development was supported by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), who granted funding to the project through its Public Sector Model Solutions scheme.

The building has incorporated several energy efficient systems, as well as renewable practises. These include solar heating, geothermal heat pump and landfill gas recovery systems, which will provide long-term benefits to the environment and the local community.

Many of the recreational facilities were funded by Waterford City Council, although technical advice specific to energy saving was provided by Waterford Energy Bureau's Liam Fleming.

-- Advertisement --

Head of Built Environment at SEI Kevin O'Rourke said: "We can expect the high quality of energy features in buildings such as this to soon become the norm across our new generation of commercial and public buildings. In this project the most modern renewable energy technologies have been utilised."

"The Centre uses solar water heating panels to supplement the domestic hot water and space heating systems. It is estimated that 50% of domestic hot water needs will be provided in this way. An innovative heating system is also used which will utilise heat pump technology to meet the heating demand. This operates in conjunction with a concrete core and under floor heating," added Mr O'Rourke.

The sports centre is located near to the Waterford city landfill. A landfill gas recovery project, developed by the council, provides hot water and electricity to the center.

This will therefore reduce the emissions of methane, a main greenhouse gas component, as well as cutting thermal and electrical requirements. Ireland's National Climate Change Strategy is currently leading a campaign for the reduction of methane.

Developers suggest there will be an average annual energy saving of 912,774 kWh, which amounts to an estimated CO2 saving of 558 Tonnes. The financial saving are calculated at around €71,997.

SEI provided €374,255 for the sports centre project, 50% of the cost of the additional energy efficiency and renewable energy features.

(PR/JM)